May 6, 2017
Michigan

Renewable energy debate is unfinished

Brenda Battel, Tribune Staff Writer | Huron Daily Tribune | Saturday, May 6, 2017 | www.michigansthumb.com

BAD AXE – The renewable energy debate in Huron County is not over.

Wind turbine issues have settled down as a result of recent referendums where the majority of voters said “no” to new wind energy developments.

Cue solar.

Members of the public will be able to air concerns about solar energy development in the county next week at a special meeting of the Huron County Planning Commission.

A hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Huron County District Court, Room 105 of the county building.

The Huron County Board of Commissioners had sent the planners a resolution recommending a moratorium on solar development for review.

The planners decided to hold a public hearing on the issue.

Comment on the year-long moratorium is due back to the county board by May 23. The planners will make a recommendation to the board of commissioners following the hearing.

Cypress Creek Renewables of Arizona has been courting local landowners to sign leases allowing commercial solar farms, which reportedly can be worth $800 an acre – and that’s more than can be made farming.

The moratorium would be for one year, or “until the commercial solar energy system regulations are adopted in the county’s Zoning Ordinance, whichever occurs first.”

Officials are hoping to prevent zoning issues that came up with wind turbine construction from affecting solar development.

For those unable to attend the hearing, written comments will be accepted by mail at the Huron County Building & Zoning Department, 250 E. Huron Ave., Room 102, Bad Axe, MI, 48413, or by fax to 989-269-3362.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2017/05/06/renewable-energy-debate-is-unfinished/